I've been thinking of a scene from Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. The scene is depicted where the character of Buggin’ Out approaches a bicyclist about scuffing his brand new Jordans. During the argument, the bicyclist makes the comment that it’s a free country. That’s not always the case for some of us. I’m not here to talk about politics by any means but to challenge people. Are we really as free as we think or proclaim we are? What about this crazy thing we call life? Do we really have freedom to make our own choices or is everything predestined? The answer to that question has a few different answers.
In some regards, we do have free will. I, myself, am a believer that God gave us free will to make our choices. We create our own demons, as Tony Stark once said, but equally create our angels in the same vein. I understand that not everyone reading this right now believes in God but let me bring it into another lens. Does the universe predestine who we will marry, whether not we will have kids, die young or old? Questions such as these have plagued not only us but our media. In the sci-fi thriller, Volition, from brothers Tony Dean & Ryan W. Smith, they speak volumes on our existence.
The film centers on James (Adrian Glynn McMorran) and his journey to sell an avalanche of diamonds. There is a bit more to the plot but I’m hoping that you’ll check out this movie. McMorran, at center stage, gives a decent performance. Though, it’s once the film slips from the gangster genre to sci-fi that he really comes into his own. While the film does switch genres halfway through, it feels incredibly sudden. Granted, in hindsight, the Smith brothers do a magnificent job at planting seeds. When the switch happens, it takes the viewer a bit of time to adjust and truly take in everything that is going on. Having these issues makes the core of the film feel rushed.
Also, it’s the motive of McMorran that makes the transition a bit harder to accept as well. Throughout the entire first half, he’s portrayed as a bit of an antagonist. Not someone you typically root for. He’s late on his rent, he has drug ties and he’s trying to sell stolen diamonds. Not exactly the picture-perfect hero or even a description of an anti-hero. Early in the first act, we are introduced to Angela (Magda Apanowicz). Apnaowicz meet in an alley where McMorran is playing hero. It feels like a throwaway scene but for some reason the narrative keeps her around. She brings nothing to the plot except being the new found heroism motivation for McMorran. Doesn’t make sense for his character. The entire back half of this movie is incredibly throughout, much like the entire movie is. Yet, here lies this character that is not developed and has no purpose.
Overall, Volition, couldn’t escape its fate. As intelligent as the film aims to be, it falls a bit short with its details and character motivation. Throw in some cliché villains – you get a basic sci-fi thriller. However, it’s lead actor in Adrian Glynn McMorran that truly helps to set the film apart. McMorran feels familiar; that is until the narrative really allows him to take flight. The real stars of the show, though, is the script from the Smith brothers. Incredibly detailed and a mind-blowing exploration of humanity help establish Volition as one of this year’s smartest thrillers. Volition might have familiar elements, but the twists and turns will make you feel different.
RORSCHACH RATING:
Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller . Music by Mallory Jameson. & various artists. Volition is property of Giant Pictures & Smith Brothers Films. We do not own nor claim any rights. Volition is available on all major digital platforms beginning July 10th,2020.
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